Pro Shops in the LA area

[isakswings]

and Anaheim. Maybe suggestions for Vegas too? In July/August, we are heading to Las Vegas and then on to Anaheim for a trip to Disney. Anyway, dd's boots are breaking down and her blades are nearing the end of their life. New boots and blades are in the near future. Both our fitter AND dd's coach thinks we can make it through the next couple of months but not much more then that. I'd try to buy her skates now, but I honestly was not budgeting for this until the fall. With club renewal, summer comp fees, new comp dress and the regular lessons on top of it, I cannot plop down 500-600 for new skates. I need a couple of months to save for it. Her boots are breaking down, but are not broken down. These boots(Jackson Freestyle with MK pro blade) are 15-16 months old and up until a month ago, they were fine(per coach and fitter). The good thing is, we've gotten our money's worth out of this set! She's never been in a boot long enough to wear out a pair of blades!

SO... since we will be in Vegas and then in California, I would love suggestions on what pro shops we should check out. We don't have access to full service pro shops here, so it will be a treat to go to a shop that has boots in stock and boots dd can try on. We'll be in Cali for 6 days. We are planning on scheduling a visit to a pro shop, so if we have to drive a bit that is OK. I think it will be worth it to go to a trust worthy shop. Thanks in advance for any help anyone has to offer.

[dak_rbb]

Lots of skaters go to USASkates, across the street from Anaheim Ice.  They only do figure skates (no hockey).  That's probably the biggest name pro shop in southern California. There is a different pro shop INSIDE the rink at Anaheim Ice--Ultimate Skate and Hockey.  I also know skaters who like them.  I'll look forward to seeing other responses, but those are probably your best options. 

Sounds like you may be in Anaheim first week in August.  Glacier Falls is a pretty big competition and is scheduled for Aug 1-5 at Anaheim Ice. Last year Sp-Teri was there for fittings--maybe Harlick too (I can't remember).  That might be worth looking into.  There also may be some top local skaters trying out their programs at the competition.  Last year we watched Mirai Nagasu and Leah Keiser as well as some amazing novice and junior competitors.

PM me if you have questions or would like additional info.

[isakswings]

cool! Thanks. We will have to check that out. We have our hotel in Anaheim for 6 days. I wonder if their is a particular fitter we should request? I really love the idea of going to a REAL pro-shop! We will be there during that competition. If we have time, we should go check it out!! Too bad we weren't competing in that competition! lol

Thanks again.

[sampaguita]

In my old rink, a lot of skaters went to the pro shop at Anaheim Ice (Ultimate Skate & Hockey), which sells both figure skates and hockey stuff. My coach once recommended the skate specialist Bruce Surdin from USASkates, which is right in front of Anaheim Ice. USASkates is closed during Sundays, so I ended up buying skates at Ultimate Skate.

It's easy to visit both stores on the same day -- they are literally right in front of each other. I'm not sure which store stocks more inventory, but if you're going to USASkates, make sure you call them up first to know their schedule. I also second dak_rbb's suggestion: Anaheim Ice regularly holds competitions, and I did see SP-Teri reps there once. If you're lucky, you might also catch the owner of Harlick.

I *think* there must be some pro shop in the Artesia rink (East West Ice Palace, I think?) owned by the Kwan family, but I haven't heard much about them.

[dak_rbb]

Even living in southern California, I've never had the experience of being able to try on different brands of skates.  It seems like even the big pro shops around here don't have enough inventory for that.  Though, perhaps they have sizes close enough to get a feel for what the skate is like?

However, both Bruce and Randall at USASkates have tons of experience fitting figure skates.  I'm sure there are many others around as well. 

[hopskipjump]

the only time we were asked if we wanted to try different brands is when we specifically were looking at Edea.  Those are all stock sizes so it's easy.  You try on your size. 

I do think that experienced fitters know just by looking at/measuring your feet what brand will work best.  And when they offer split widths it's impossible to keep them in stock in every size.  Trying on an ill fitting skate isn't going to help.  But they always ask - how is the boot you are wearing fitting?  have you had any problems?  They also take the old boot and examine it.  They take the bed out and look at that and they look at your feet.  If everything looks great they will try to keep you in that brand. 

[isakswings]

the only time we were asked if we wanted to try different brands is when we specifically were looking at Edea.  Those are all stock sizes so it's easy.  You try on your size. 

I do think that experienced fitters know just by looking at/measuring your feet what brand will work best.  And when they offer split widths it's impossible to keep them in stock in every size.  Trying on an ill fitting skate isn't going to help.  But they always ask - how is the boot you are wearing fitting?  have you had any problems?  They also take the old boot and examine it.  They take the bed out and look at that and they look at your feet.  If everything looks great they will try to keep you in that brand. 

Thank you everyone! She will be getting them before our trip as her boots are breaking down too fast and her poor feet are hurting in her too narrow boots.